Background information
Ancient Rome had a rich culture that was evident in their everyday habits and practices. One such practice was the way they stored their kitchen cutlery. Cutlery was essential to the Romans’ culinary habits as they enjoyed feasting and entertaining with food.
Cutlery in Ancient Rome was made of bronze and iron, but some items were also made of silver and gold. Cutlery was considered a luxury item, so only wealthy households likely used silver and gold items. Common common items included spoons, forks, knives, ladles, and skewers.
Data and perspectives from experts
Experts believe that Romans would have stored their cutlery inside containers made of metal and ceramics. Many of these containers were boxed, and were often decorated with colourful glazes or inscriptions. Romans also used wood to store their cutlery and other utensils, either in cabinets or on shelves.
In some cases, Roman kitchens would have had specific hooks to hang utensils from and these could have been incorporated into the shelving. Romans also used drawers to store cutlery, which kept their valuable items clean and out of sight from their uninvited guests.
Insights and analysis
Cutlery was a sign of wealth and status for the Ancient Romans, and would have been displayed prominently in their homes. Cutlery was often engraved with designs and symbols to signify a family’s rank and wealth. These symbols were often ornate and intricate, highlighting the family’s power and importance.
The exact way in which Romans stored their cutlery is a matter of debate as there was no single solution across the Empire. It is likely that they adjusted their storage methods to their surrounding environment and personal preference.
Storage solutions
One solution was to hang the cutlery on a wall or on special metal hooks, sometimes even using magnets. This solution was convenient as it reduced clutter and made it easier to access the items when preparing food. Additionally, this solution kept items away from any pets or children, preventing damage to them or the items.
Alternatively, wooden boxes and shelves were also used to store cutlery and other kitchen items, keeping them away from dust and dirt. This solution allowed for easy access to the items and was often visually appealing.
Cleaning utensils
It is believed that Ancient Romans would have used natural and man-made cleaning solutions to clean their cutlery. Ashes and lime were mixed with water to create a paste to clean difficult deposits, while vinegar mixed with water was used to remove any rust.
The Romans likely used soft sponges, which were made from sheep’s wool, to clean their cutlery. These sponges were often boiled in vinegar water, to make sure they were properly sanitised before and after use.
Polishing utensils
In order to give the cutlery a shine, the Romans would have used cloths and pastes made from olive oil, lard, and ashes. Polishing allowed the Romans to bring out the intricate designs on their cutlery, as well as make them more presentable when entertaining visitors.
The Romans also used a polishing cloth made from silk, which was incredibly soft for polishing cutlery. Silk was expensive so it would not have been a common cloth seen in an Ancient Roman kitchen.
Display and organisation
Cutlery often came in sets, with each set containing a certain type of utensil. For this reason, the Ancient Romans would have often used trays or boxes to store their sets together.
Trays were also considered a luxury item, so it’s likely that most Romans just used boxes or baskets to display and organise their cutlery. These boxes made it easy to find the right pieces when preparing food, as well as a convenient way to hide away items that weren’t in use.
Olive oil for cutlery
To condition their cutlery, Ancient Romans would have used olive oil, which was an important part of their diet. Olive oil was commonly found in many Roman homes, as it was a key ingredient in many of their dishes.
The Romans would heat the olive oil and then put the cutlery into it to condition it. This process would not only give the cutlery a shine, but also make it easier to use and transport.
Roman kitchen design influence
The Ancient Romans made a lasting impression on modern kitchen design due to their impressive storage solutions. Many of the Ancient Roman storage solutions, such as wall hooks and wooden boxes, are still used today.
Additionally, Roman mosaics, furniture and accessories continue to be used in modern kitchen design to add a touch of elegance and colour to an otherwise plain room.
Opportunities for innovation
The Ancient Romans had an incredibly advanced culture and lifestyle, and this was evident in their kitchen design and practices. This is an inspiration for modern kitchen design, as it demonstrates the possibilities for innovation when it comes to storage solutions.
Nowadays, thanks to advancements in technology and materials, we are able to create more innovative and efficient storage solutions for our own kitchens. Incorporating elements from Ancient Roman kitchens can be a great way to get inspired, and to give our own kitchens that unique touch.
